By Washington, D.C., Staff
Legislation (S.F. 193) has been introduced in the Iowa Senate to require the issuance of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for all motor vehicles.
Current law allows single license plates on only model year 1948 or older vehicles. The bill is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate Transportation Committee.
For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website.
For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.
By Washington, D.C., Staff
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) sent its report to President Trump on whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to U.S. national security. The report was not made public and the president now has until mid-May to decide on whether to impose tariffs. If he pursues tariffs, President Trump has many options, from imposing global tariffs of as much as 20% to 25% to targeting the tariffs on certain countries and products. The DOC investigation applied to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts.
Last year eight major trade associations formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition to oppose the potential tariffs. The group includes SEMA and represents the broad scope of the auto industry, from automakers and dealers to parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers. The Coalition has sought to convince the Trump Administration not to pursue tariffs. The Coalition issued the following statement as the DOC report was transmitted to President Trump on February 17:
Statement: Auto tariffs are a tax on American workers and consumers. A massive 25% tariff will raise the price of cars and motor vehicle parts, strain family budgets and reduce car sales and vehicle repairs. Decreased sales will mean fewer American jobs with wide-ranging effects across our economy that could prove catastrophic. Driving American Jobs will continue to fight for the 10 million Americans whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry. We strongly urge the Trump Administration to find that the auto industry is not a national security threat.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
By Washington, D.C., Staff
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) sent its report to President Trump on whether imported automobiles and auto parts pose a threat to U.S. national security. The report was not made public and the president now has until mid-May to decide on whether to impose tariffs. If he pursues tariffs, President Trump has many options, from imposing global tariffs of as much as 20% to 25% to targeting the tariffs on certain countries and products. The DOC investigation applied to all types of cars and parts, including new cars, classic cars, OEM parts and specialty auto parts.
Last year eight major trade associations formed the “Driving American Jobs” Coalition to oppose the potential tariffs. The group includes SEMA and represents the broad scope of the auto industry, from automakers and dealers to parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers. The Coalition has sought to convince the Trump Administration not to pursue tariffs. The Coalition issued the following statement as the DOC report was transmitted to President Trump on February 17:
Statement: Auto tariffs are a tax on American workers and consumers. A massive 25% tariff will raise the price of cars and motor vehicle parts, strain family budgets and reduce car sales and vehicle repairs. Decreased sales will mean fewer American jobs with wide-ranging effects across our economy that could prove catastrophic. Driving American Jobs will continue to fight for the 10 million Americans whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry. We strongly urge the Trump Administration to find that the auto industry is not a national security threat.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
By SEMA Editors
SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.
By Linda Spencer
Take advantage of a popular member benefit by joining SEMA on two promising overseas trips to learn about the potential for your products and meet with pre-vetted buyers:
 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region. |
SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 26–31, 2019
Participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.
The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turn-key booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
 SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. |
SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference
Melbourne, Australia
May 9–13, 2019
Participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Rumor has it that there are more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.
The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx Show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.
For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.
By Linda Spencer
Take advantage of a popular member benefit by joining SEMA on two promising overseas trips to learn about the potential for your products and meet with pre-vetted buyers:
| SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region. |
SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 26–31, 2019
Participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.
The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turn-key booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
| SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. |
SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference
Melbourne, Australia
May 9–13, 2019
Participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Rumor has it that there are more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.
The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx Show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.
For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.
By Linda Spencer
Take advantage of a popular member benefit by joining SEMA on two promising overseas trips to learn about the potential for your products and meet with pre-vetted buyers:
| SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region. |
SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 26–31, 2019
Participants will learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy United Arab Emirates (UAE) and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.
The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turn-key booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
| SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. |
SEMA Australia Regional Business Development Conference
Melbourne, Australia
May 9–13, 2019
Participants will explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Rumor has it that there are more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.
The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx Show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.
U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Slots are limited.
For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.
By Kyle Cheng
 Download the February “Industry Indicators Report” available for free at www.sema.org/research. |
Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question isn’t easy or clear.
On some fronts, there’s tremendous strength. The economy added more than 300,000 new jobs in January, despite the government shutdown. This marks the 100th consecutive month of job gains—the longest streak on record. Additionally, there was more industrial production in December than any other month in history.
In other areas, however, there is continued growth but at a slower pace. Vehicle sales were down 5.1% in January from the previous month, and 3% from a year ago. Additionally, consumer sentiment also dropped last month.
The outlook for the next few months remains solid, but uncertainties intensify after that. The potential of a government shutdown intensifies the uncertainty.
To learn more, download the February “Industry Indicators Report”—now available for free at www.sema.org/research.
By Kyle Cheng
| Download the February “Industry Indicators Report” available for free at www.sema.org/research. |
Where is the U.S. economy heading? The answer to that question isn’t easy or clear.
On some fronts, there’s tremendous strength. The economy added more than 300,000 new jobs in January, despite the government shutdown. This marks the 100th consecutive month of job gains—the longest streak on record. Additionally, there was more industrial production in December than any other month in history.
In other areas, however, there is continued growth but at a slower pace. Vehicle sales were down 5.1% in January from the previous month, and 3% from a year ago. Additionally, consumer sentiment also dropped last month.
The outlook for the next few months remains solid, but uncertainties intensify after that. The potential of a government shutdown intensifies the uncertainty.
To learn more, download the February “Industry Indicators Report”—now available for free at www.sema.org/research.
Just a few weeks ago (January 16), Ford President of Global Markets Jim Farley informed investors that a battery-electric F-150 was in the works. Here are its first exclusive shots.
Although there’s only a single angle (due to where the vehicle was parked), it can be confirmed that this is an F-150 EV (note that this is likely an early test bed for the electric powertrain, and the F-150 EV that comes to market will be significantly different). First, the vehicle is plugged into a charger via a charging port located on the lower front portion of front bumper (this location likely won’t make it to production though). And second, the body of the F-150 clearly sits slightly higher due to the batteries being located underneath the cab. There is an exhaust tip on the back of the truck, but it’s probably just a clever disguise to throw off the untrained eye.
At this point there are no details pertaining to battery power or the size of the battery pack, but Ford is paying close attention to the R1T concept recently released by Rivian, and Tesla’s endless promises of an EV truck.
Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde